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Review
. 2010 Oct;10(10):683-7.
doi: 10.1038/nri2848. Epub 2010 Sep 17.

Cellular sources and immune functions of interleukin-9

Randolph J Noelle  1 , Elizabeth C Nowak
Affiliations
Review

Cellular sources and immune functions of interleukin-9

Randolph J Noelle et al. Nat Rev Immunol. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has attracted renewed interest owing to the identification of its expression by multiple T helper (T(H)) cell subsets, including T(H)2 cells, T(H)9 cells, T(H)17 cells and regulatory T (T(Reg)) cells. Here, we provide a broad overview of the conditions that are required for cells to produce IL-9 and describe the cellular targets and nature of the immune responses that are induced by IL-9.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The IL-9 receptor signalling complex
Interleukin-9 (IL-9) activates a heterodimeric receptor that consists of the IL-9 receptor α-chain (IL-9Rα) and the γ-chain and promotes the crossphosphorylation of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and JAK3. This leads to the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3 and STAT5 and the upregulation of IL-9-inducible gene transcription.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Expression of IL-9 by distinct T cell subsets
Different differentiation pathways of effector CD4+ T cell subsets are shown, as well as the transcription factors that are necessary for their differentiation and some of the cytokines that they produce. Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has been reported to be expressed by T helper 2 (TH2), TH9, TH17 and regulatory T (TReg) cell subsets, and all of these subsets, except TH2 cells, require transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) for IL-9 production. AHR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor; FOXP3, forkhead box P3; GATA3, GATA-binding protein 3; IFNγ, interferon-γ; IRF4, interferon-regulatory factor 4; ROR, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor; TNF, tumour necrosis factor.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Targets of IL-9 function
Interleukin-9 (IL-9) has been shown to have various effects on different cell types. These effects include activating mast cells to secrete several products, including IL-13, which exerts its effects on the epithelial cells of the lung and gut. In addition, IL-9 seems to have a direct effect on regulatory T (TReg) cells, T helper 17 (TH17) cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). TGFβ, transforming growth factor-β.
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